Samvatsari is kept on a “specific day” because Jain tradition fixes one annual, full-scale Pratikraman for laypeople and monks at the end of the Paryushan period. This is the year’s most important atonement day, when we review all faults of the whole year and ask forgiveness (Michhami Dukkadam). Keeping it on a fixed lunar tithi ensures the entire community practices together, after weeks of intensified sadhana during Chaturmas, when sadhus stay in one place and give scriptural guidance. That shared timing strengthens discipline, confession, and forgiveness for all.

Traditional notes

• Shwetambar: Samvatsari is the last day of Paryushan. It is the annual (samvatsari) Pratikraman day established by Agamic practice, therefore observed on that set lunar date each year.
• Digambar: The forgiveness day (Kshamavani) is tied to Das Lakshan Parva, so its “specific day” follows their festival’s calendar. Thus, both sects keep the great forgiveness day on a fixed tithi within their own festival cycles.

Because these are lunar-calendar observances, the Gregorian date changes each year, but within each tradition the tithi is fixed. The purpose remains one: collective repentance, forgiveness, and purification of accumulated karma.

For simple, related explainers:

• Why we celebrate Samvatsari
• Why Paryushan is observed
• Different days of Paryushan and the role of Samvatsari